The Federal Government says the presence of United States troops in Nigeria is limited to intelligence support and training as part of ongoing cooperation to combat insecurity.
The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) had on Tuesday announced the deployment of a small team of American personnel to Nigeria.
AFRICOM Commander, General Dagvin Anderson, while speaking in Dakar, said the deployment was made at Nigeria’s request and was focused strictly on intelligence assistance.
“Our partnership with Nigeria is a great example of a willing and capable ally that requested unique capabilities only the United States can provide,” Anderson said.
However, the announcement sparked widespread speculation and concern over Nigeria’s sovereignty, prompting the DefenceMinister, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd) to speak on the issue.
Speaking with the BBC, Musa explained that the US personnel were not combat troops but a small advisory team supporting intelligence gathering and training initiatives.
The Minister of Defence did not disclose details regarding the size of the team, their arrival date, location, or duration of stay.
On December 25, 2025, the U.S military, in collaboration with the Armed Forces of Nigeria, conducted air interdiction operations across multiple locations in the North-West and North-Central regions as part of renewed international cooperation against terrorism and violent extremism.
Despite these assurances, the latest development has reignited public debate, with some Nigerians expressing fears that foreign troops’ presence could undermine national sovereignty.
Reacting to the concerns, the All Progressives Congress (APC) said the cooperation between Nigeria and the United States is strictly coordinated and does not compromise the country’s independence.
